Special Olympics New Jersey offers 22 Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge.

To serve eligible athletes of all ages and abilities, we offer a variety of options. Visit each category below to learn about the participation requirements and access registration forms.

In order to participate in any Special Olympics sports, athletes must have a valid medical on file which can be found in our Participation Packet. Athletes must renew their medical every 3 years.

Participation Packet

Sports in the Local Community

Athletes select sports available in their local community where they will join a Local Training Program, or “LTP,” a registered and accredited group of one or more athletes, coaches and Unified partners training together in one or more sports. Each LTP operates within an area of New Jersey. Learn more about local training programs and how to start one.

Once a sport is selected, an athlete must commit to training and seasonal play to qualify for sectional and statewide competition. Training and competition experience through practice, league, or club play should be incorporated into an 8-10 week sports season that includes…

  • Sports skills training
  • Fitness training
  • Sports rules
  • Instruction to concept and competition strategy play
  • Sportsmanship
Select a Sport

School-Based Sports

From Pre-K through high school, the Play Unified School Partnership program provides strategies and resources to assist schools with meaningful, inclusive sports experiences for their students. College students have opportunities through our College Unified Sports program.

School-Based Sports

Young Athletes

Young Athletes™ is an inclusive sports play program for children ages 2 through 7. It prepares them for future participation in sports while improving gross motor, social and cognitive skills.

Young Athletes 

Unified Sports

Unified Sports® joins people with and without disabilities on the same team. Special Olympics New Jersey offers many options to Play Unified.

Unified Sports